I nearly fell asleep in the bleachers today and it wasn't because I was tired, as I usually am due to my work hours -- I've had the last two days off and have had plenty of sleep.
No, today I was yawning because the Cubs looked completely out of sorts, stymied by a guy they apparently knew nothing about:
The Cubs didn't have much of a scouting report against [Jeff] Karstens (1-0), whom the Pirates acquired from the New York Yankees in the Xavier Nady deal. Friday was his first big league appearance this year, and he gave up five hits, walked four and struck out two over six innings.
Well, c'mon now. It's not as if Karstens just magically appeared out of nowhere -- someone had to be scouting him, right? In any case, the Pirates, having turned over one-sixth of their roster in the last week due to the trades of Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, put what was basically a Triple-A team (plus the only real major leaguer, Nate McLouth) on the field at Wrigley today and thus I'm only half-joking when I say the Nashville Sounds, um, the Pirates shut out the Cubs 3-0, the Cubs' fifth shutout of the season -- and of the previous four, two of them were by other teams with losing records (April 27 at Washington and May 7 at Cincinnati).
Jason Marquis threw just fine, thank you. It was a "quality start" (three ER in six IP), though I'm not sure "quality" describes a 4.50 ERA; that's pretty much Marquis' career average. He gave up a HR to Jason Michaels and a couple of RBI singles, to Michaels and Jack Wilson, two sort of marginally better than the rest of the minor league lineup on the field today, and that was it. He walked only one. The bullpen put up three one-hit innings with six strikeouts, and Carlos Marmol looked like the "old" Marmol, snapping off sliders and striking out the side in his one inning of work.
The Cubs just couldn't get anything going, even with men on base all day -- five hits and seven walks. They hit into four double plays, including one by PH Reed Johnson with two on and one out in the eighth when it appeared the Cubs might be mounting a comeback against the Pirates' Sean Burnett, and another by Henry Blanco to end the game (Dave called that one, and I guess the rest of us could have, too).
Were the Cubs in for a letdown like this? Maybe, since the series in Milwaukee had featured one really intense game (Monday), and three blowouts -- you can't sustain that as a team forever, and perhaps the Cubs could be forgiven for looking past a pitcher like Karstens, who had had little major league success with the Yankees, toward two better pitchers (Paul Maholm and Ian Snell) going in the other two games of this series.
There's not much more to say about this day or this game. The Cubs lost and looked flat. By the seventh inning a fair amount of the bleacher crowd had already gone, heading either to Lollapalooza or perhaps the Bears' workout at Soldier Field (which, according to Jeff, had sold over 65,000 tickets, an amazing number for just watching the Bears have a workout). Thomas Ian Nicholas, the actor who played Henry Rowengartner in the 1993 movie "Rookie of the Year" (and later became more famous for his work in the "American Pie" films) thus sang "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" (and not very well, I might add) to a mostly-disinterested, about 1/4 empty house.
Advice to the Cubs: go home, have a nice quiet Friday night, forget about this one and get 'em tomorrow. Stuff like this happens. In the meantime -- go Braves! go Phillies!
0 recs | 125 comments
Rowengartner? REALLY?!
They could have just asked me to sing.
Dan
dtpollitt - August 1, 2008
Or me.
I can’t sing either.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
Worst part about his awful singing
is that he was doing a concert last night at the Cubbie Bear. I guess he’s promoting a new album from what he was saying on the radio. Not so sure about that career path…
cubbot - August 2, 2008
Iowa Cubs
might have matched up better with the Sounds/Pirates today.
memphiscub - August 1, 2008
Peoria Chiefs might have matched up better.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
As Long as Rich Hill wasn't pitching.
(J/K)
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
sorry Al but crappy advice
I am going to the bar and get tore up
bheidge - August 1, 2008
Have fun!
I’m guessing the Cubs won’t be joining you.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
they should
they owe me a drink after today
bheidge - August 1, 2008
LOL
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
Make sure your night does not end up this way.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Is that old lady back there puking in a trash can?
NOLA_Cub_Fan - August 1, 2008
looks like it
sue369 - August 1, 2008
Serious question....
What is it with the Cubs and SP’s they’ve never seen?
Scouting?? Lack of patience??
I just don’t get this…
NotSure - August 1, 2008
certainly not patient enough
i could tell after just a few pitches that this guy had trouble hitting the strike zone and the cubbies should just lay off.
d. lee sure does love swinging at those low and away pitches, though.
nathew - August 1, 2008
agreed
I told my friend (a Phillie fan) that if we made the playoffs against them he should call up 3 AA pitchers to pitch against them so they would be assured a sweep.
KyCubsFan - August 2, 2008
A few people were complaining about Marquis today in the threads...
...and my argument for Marquis is this:
In his last 4 starts, he’s thrown THREE (!!!) quality starts. We may not have signed Marquis to #5 money at the time, but damnit, he is our #5 starter. That alone makes me think that his performance this year has been more than sufficient for his role on this team. He might not make the playoff roster, and will get shelled from time to time (last start, 6 ER), but he’s performing the role he should be on this team.
Dan
dtpollitt - August 1, 2008
i was complaining
but only once after the 2nd inning. This one is on our offense….....obviously
bheidge - August 1, 2008
Marquis
gave up three runs in six innings. Frankly, that’s his job. This one isn’t on him.
Josh Timmers - August 1, 2008
+100
In fairness, we have 4 real studs in front of Marquis in the rotation. The poor guy just doesn’t stack up to our other 4 starters, but let’s be grateful for the other 4 starters and be happy that we get so many quality starts out of Jason. This team was due for a let down after scoring 11 runs, leaving one man on base and sweeping the BrewCrew yesterday.
Jason was in a tough position and did fine. Let’s just get the MoJo back tomorrow and not let the teams behind us get back into this race. This is no time for a let down.
LAcarl519 - August 1, 2008
Not Nashville
Tut, tut, Al. You should know by now that the Nashville Sounds parent team is the Brewers, not the Pirates. The Pirates AAA team is the Indianapolis Indians.
Now you could argue a lot of those players weren’t coming from the Pirates system, but none of them were coming over from the Brewers. If you said Pawtucket Red Sox, Las Vegas 51s or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, I might have understood.
Josh Timmers - August 1, 2008
Hmmm.
I got my AAA teams confused. But the Sounds probalby could have beaten the Cubs today, too.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
Got Your Point
I knew about the Brewers/Pirates switch in affiliates a few years ago. I figure there was no point in mentioning it. It sure looked like any AAA team could have won against the big league Cubs today.
memphiscub - August 1, 2008
Well...
Al was half right. Up until a few seasons ago (2004, I think?) they were, in fact, a Pirates affiliate. I didn’t see the game, but it looks like the Sounds could have probably held their own.
Here’s hoping we turn this around tomorrow.
615CubFan - August 1, 2008
Today the Cubs
(NOTE: Drinking Responsibly is Brilliant!)
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
I like the Kyle Orton pictures better
dtpollitt - August 1, 2008
This is my favorite
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
I think they're all too big
dtpollitt - August 1, 2008
I'll try to shink them...sorry
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Well, marquis will not be in the monster
xene - August 1, 2008
Marquis could be with the
kiddies at the bottom
bheidge - August 1, 2008
Hey Marquis pitched just as well as Lilly
No that I’m advocating putting him on the Monster
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Yeah plus there no more room actually
xene - August 1, 2008
Is it me
Or does Lilly look like he has a porn stache?
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Disagree
that the Cubs could be forgiven for looking past anyone. Games against the Pirates should be gimme’s for a WS contender. Granted, all good teams lose to bad teams, but the lack of cashing in on opportunities really can’t be forgiven.
As for the scouting of Karstens, with the technology available to the teams and Hendry’s connections in the league, there should be no such thing as no scouting report.
These are the types of things that the Cubs of old have done. If Lou is changing the loveable loosers dynamic, and I believe he is, then a more concentrated effort needs to be made in these areas.
ScottT - August 1, 2008
Karstens
gave up 5 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings. He didnt pitch that great, we just failed to get a hit when it mattered. I wouldnt think too deeply on this one.
bheidge - August 1, 2008
One hit was would have changed the game
but it wasn’t meant to be.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
It's kind of hard to scout someone who hasn't pitched in the ML's this year...
especially when he didn’t even join the Pirates until last week, and you had no idea that he would start. To say that Lou is changing the dynamic is factually incorrect. Dusty flipped the script when he came here, and almost got the team to the WS in ‘03.
A more concentrated effort by Lou in areas that such as scouting a player that you had no idea you would possibly be facing? You must be joking! The Pirates are a ML team, and no game is ever a ‘gimme’, not even for a WS contender. It’s one thing, Karstens & the Pirates pen pitched a good game, we made good contact, but hit into too many DP’s. Not cashing in on opportunities can’t be forgiven? Again, you’ve got to be pulling my leg. It’s a 162 game schedule, you can’t win them all. Check back in again after the Cubs take the next two, I’ll be willing to bet your attitude will be different.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
According to Ron
Lou got a scouting report from one of his coaching connections in the Yankees organization.
Apparently it was a shitty scouting report
bheidge - August 1, 2008
It was a last minute scouting report. It may also have been crappy.
I stand by my assertion.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
Profanity not necessary nor appreciated.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
Thank you Al.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I was under the impression
that an occasional word here and there was no big deal. Perhaps I misread one of your old posts.
bheidge - August 1, 2008
What was the point of using that word?
Plenty of other words, nonprofane, would have done just as well. If you’re swearing just to do so, do it elsewhere.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2008
+100
Archie - August 1, 2008
shitty has its own meaning
and i think relatively few adults consider it profane.
/just sayin
joeschmitt - August 2, 2008
Your opinion.
Mine is that the word was unnecessary.
Al Yellon - August 2, 2008
Yeah, it's really inexcusable -- not
Please stop. Actually, even the best teams have losses like this.
And learn how to spell “losers,” please.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 1, 2008
I stated in my post that all good teams lose to bad teams
Just seems to happen to the Cubs a lot when they’re up against a pitcher they haven’t seen.
And, my most sincere apologies for the typo.
Of course, based on your comment, I could say please learn reading comprehension skills, as your main point other than calling me out on a typo was to restate something that I plainly conceded. And nowhere did my comment say that losing the game was inexcusable. Rather, it simply said that not cashing in on the opportunities isn’t good.
All 162 games are important. You aren’t going to win them all, but one extra loss can make a world of difference at the end of the year.
My main point was that I don’t think it’s necessarily forgivable to look past any team or pitcher, no matter their record.
For your sake, I hope I didn’t dangle a participle or end a sentence in a preposition.
ScottT - August 1, 2008
You and I are the only ones here, Scott T.
You make a lot of good points.
Although I don’t necessarily agree with your assessment of today’s game as one “they looked past”, and “games against the Pirates should be gimmes for a WS contender”, or that “lack of cashing in on opportunities really can’t be forgiven”; I do agree that all the games are important, and that one loss can make a (world) of difference at the end of the year. (I put world in parenthesis b/c I believe it makes a difference, but not a ‘world’ of difference).
I just agree with your points, but not your assessment of today’s game. It would be a boring world if we all agreed. Lastly, dangle all the participles you like, and end a sentence in a preposition, I think I can still understand the point you are making.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
Grammar Rule #27 - Never use a preposition to end a sentence with.
ballhawk - August 1, 2008
When did that happen?
Where in the U.S. education system are we failing to teach people that the opposite of “win” is spelled “lose”?
That is the one grammar/spelling error that makes me want to hit the clocktower with the pantyhose on my head.
DaBard - August 2, 2008
But how did we Start?
Didn’t we start the season winning the first 8 against this team? So what is our record for the season against this team? 13-4 ….That’s damn near .700 ball? You can’t win them all even if you are a first place team.
iceman71 - August 1, 2008
wurd
joeschmitt - August 2, 2008
Day off
I half expected either ARam or DLee to have a day off. This would have been a perfect time to give DWard a start at 1B. He’s been pretty weak this year, and maybe 4 AB’s in one game would have woken up his bat. Lee could have used a day off.
Don’t think it would have made much of a difference today, but who knows?
7 walks was a good sign, but they just didn’t cash in.
These games happen…but they still suck.
Canadian Cubs Fan - August 1, 2008
Derrek
could probably use a day off. Nothing to do with his swing or performance. He is 2nd in the NL in AB’s this year, only Jose Reyes has more.
bheidge - August 1, 2008
I think Lou wants to do that too but
DLEE defense keeps him at first. The guy seems to save an error or rob a hit once a game.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Yes, he is. He also is hitting .290, slugging .481, with an OBP of .352.
Derrek has played 155 games or more most of his career, every year. He doesn’t need rest for his bat. He needs to see more pitches. He isn’t seeing the ball well, and not squaring up the pitches that he does when he is seeing the ball well. He is needed at 1B for his defense, and we need him to stay in there to provide that invaluable D, and see more pitches.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
Do you think
he needs to see more pitches? lol
bheidge - August 1, 2008
First off, laugh all you want if it makes you feel better.
Understand this though: you said he needs a day off, but not for his swing, or performance. Why else would you rest him then? Certainly not for his defense, or b/c he is hurting. Has he shown signs of slowing down? Uh… NO.
You are correct, he isn’t a young pup anymore, but 32 is hardly old for a player that is in the physical shape that Lee is in. He continues to show his durability, by playing in 150-plus games every year.
You show a lack of knowledge of the type of hitter that Lee is, and why he is not hitting as well, (as some people suggest). Lee has always said that the more pitches he sees, the more he will hit.
Likewise, you are uneducated in the need for Lee’s invaluable defense, as opposed to say putting in Ward at first, to get Lee rest that he doesn’t need, and doesn’t want. So, by your reasoning, let’s rest Lee, and put a sub par glove in at 1st base. Let’s disrupt his work on his batting, and his overall game. Good plan! (sarcasm).
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I also said
the reason I would sit him a game or two had nothing to do with his performance (statistics). And you bring up statistics, I know what his numbers are. Mr Lee is no longer a young pup a day off every now and then would do nothing but help him.
bheidge - August 1, 2008
DeRosa claims No let down
Linkage
Which I understand. The players know that these games matter. But there are a 162 games in a season and there are going to be days where guys have a harder time getting jacked to play. Its human nature.
Just don’t let it linger and take out the frustration on tomorrow’s starter.
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
Hey Hey...
How ya doin’ friend?
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I'm alright.
although I admit. I wussed out on the end of the game. I left at the end of the 6th inning. Playing in the pool w/ the dogs was way more fun.
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
I'm sure it was.
So is Galvan still coming on strong?
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
havent seen him for a lil while
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
He sure likes you a lot for never having met you, huh?
I’m sure you are quite likable though mi amigo. He just kept popping up all the time, saying how much he was crushing on you. Maybe I’m old fashioned but… he might want to, uh… meet you first?
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
yeah. it was a bit random
but harmless fun. :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
Yep. Harmless fun. You handled it well.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
jimmy totally OT
IMHO one has to understand the under 25 crowd has had instant messanger and things like that since they were in grade school. So they are more use flirtations or crushes on the net. than those of us in our thirties (or older than that) might take it a bit more serious than it is. I’ve discovered that from having college age sisters.
Madison Cub Fan - August 1, 2008
Music starts:
Why do birds suddenly appear…every time…you are near?
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Dude...
Can’t I be cordial with my friends without someone dreaming up something?
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I'm just messing with you.
If you want I can go back to making Harry Potter References to annoy SWL?
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
light the beacon
the words have been spoken!
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
That's what I thought, but Galvan is the one crushing on her.
I’m pushing 40, and am probably too old for HBCG. If SWL was here, it would be great to annoy him with Potter references, though.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I really expected
today’s game to end like it did. Sometimes it just happens that way. Marquis did a fine job today and it is really too bad the offense didn’t come through today. Hopefully they will get back to scoring runs tomorrow.
sue369 - August 1, 2008
I'm sure they will sue.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
the court house is closed
they’ll have to wait til Monday to file.
wait. What?
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
ha..you ar3e a funny girl
sue369 - August 1, 2008
i have my moments
:-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
City of Chicago vs. the Chicago Cubs Offense
which is charged with Sucking.
Mr. Johnson how to you Plea?
Mr. Fukudome How do you Plea?
Etc…
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
Best post of the day!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 1, 2008
thank you
sue369 - August 1, 2008
I agree w/ this completely.
But still in perspective… if we win 5 outta 6 I’ll take it w/o hesitation.
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
I choose to basically ignore this game
or regard it as just a hiccup, a momentary sputter from the finely-tuned engine that is this Cubs team. Thankfully I still have the videotaped memories of yesterday’s kneecapping and I will be enjoying them again this evening, followed by perhaps a repeat viewing of the throwback game v. the Braves. I am addicted to this team…luckily there is no known cure!
Goodie1969 - August 1, 2008
Yo, I'm doing the same thing. Although I don't have the throwback game on tape...
As you know, you are spot on with your assessment of this game as a hiccup, or momentary sputter. I’m sure they will right the ship tomorrow, and put a lot of runs on the board. They didn’t get to be this high powered of an offense by not putting runs on the board. I see no signs that they will slow down the pace offensively. To the contrary, after being shut out today, I expect they will win handily tomorrow.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
I agree with both of you.
1927 Yankees went 110-44. Teams lose, if the Cubs lose this series I will then start to be concerned.
Madison Cub Fan - August 1, 2008
It always seems to happen like this...
monster run output, followed by a clunker. That’s why you often hear announcers (usually former players) saying, “Hey, save some of these runs for tomorrow!” It’s just one of those weird baseball things.
Goodie1969 - August 1, 2008
I am a true believer in the "law of averages"
as it relates to sports. I think Lou tries to keep the let downs to a minimum. I do hope we can get a win tomorrow and win this series against the Pirates.
A key to us beating the Brewers this week was the fact that the Brewers had already lost 2 of 3 the prior weekend (against lowly Houston), already having a letdown after the Cardinals sweep. The Brewers were already filled with self doubt at home before we got there—we just stuck a fork in it!
I think Lou doesn’t want us to suffer that same kind of let down. I think we are also a deeper and more mature team (than the Brewers), but every team has lulls and let downs. We had ours around the ASG. Hopefully, we will not have another one now. This was just one loss. They happen.
LAcarl519 - August 1, 2008
Nitpicking
Nate McLouth was not the only ML player in that lineup. Ryan Doumit has been one of the best hitting catchers this year hitting .333/.378/.553. Andy LaRoche is overdue for the majors. Jack Wilson’s a good SS. And Jason Michaels, well, nevermind about Michaels.
DGU - August 1, 2008
For AL
Pittsburgh triple a team is not Nashville, its the Indianapolis Indians
cubs2410 - August 1, 2008
Thank you for pointing that out
The Nashville Sounds are a Brewers Affiliate and the Indianapolis Indians are a Pirates affiliate
SouthsideCUBSfan - August 1, 2008
I don't know what Lou...
...said in the post game, but he sent a subtle message to his team as soon as it concluded.
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but as soon as the game was over, Piniella just sat on the bench staring out at the field for 20-30 seconds. You would think that after winning five straight (4 straight against the 2nd place team) a manager would take it in stride and just stroll into the clubhouse like he and most others usually do. But, I think Lou is trying to send a message, that he is holding this group up to a higher standard and he does not want them to take their foot off the pedal.
Today was the classic trap game – mediocre team and you just came off a big road series with great success. The first game home is always a difficult one to maintain that edge and easy to fall asleep on (which is exactly what they did). This type of thing can happen to good teams, but I don’t think Lou wants them to be good, he wants them to be great and he knows he has to keep pushing them to understand they can be, so they are ready for a playoff drive.
MPH73 - August 1, 2008
Nice observation
I especially enjoyed this part:
That is just a perfectly worded explanation, and I can add nothing to it but total agreement.
Goodie1969 - August 1, 2008
Nice observation indeed
Fine eye for detail, MPH73. The Cubs phoned it in yesterday. I’m willing to bet today’s game will be a far different story.
Emelie - August 2, 2008
Same here....
2nd game I missed this season (cos I was still in bed hungover, it being a real early start for New Zealand) but I caught the 9th inning. There’s a lot of difference makers between this team and the 2003 Cubs for my mind the biggest one is Lou. If ever there was a vision of the dynasty that this club can become I’m sure that’s what you can see in Lou’s eyes….then again it might just be indigestion.
kiwibob - August 1, 2008
Lou in the post game
sounded pissed (and tired). Not snappy or bristling at the reporters like he is after a more intense loss, but very dissatisfied. It was also the shortest post-game I’ve ever heard—lasted all of 55 seconds.
Hit into too many double plays – get you out of a lot of innings quick
Give their pitchers credit – they pitched well
No hangover after MIL series – 54 games to go, hangover this quick is no excuse
Marquis pitched fine, gave us six innings 3 runs
JohnM - August 2, 2008
And the postgame press conference...
...lasted all of about three minutes.
daver - August 2, 2008
how can the pitcher with no ABs
in his career pull off successful sac bunts, and rich harden can’t?
nathew - August 1, 2008
A little something called execution...
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
luck?
innate skill?
drewishdrewid - August 1, 2008
I am tired of the "No scouting report" excuse...
While I would be willing to bet that today’s game was more of the law of averages being displayed, I have to say that I am tired of hearing that the team didn’t hit a guy well because they didn’t have a good scouting report.
The Cubs have advanced scouts. They have minor league scouts. This is just not a reasonable excuse. I would rather hear them say “we were tired after the trip yesterday, we deflated and sucked today”.
Even if there was no video of a guy, no scouting report, you can get a pretty good idea of what a guy is throwing by simply taking a few pitches. Yeah, if he is hitting his spots, you might have a few tough at bats, but good grief, this inability to hit minor league journeymen and frightened pups up from AA and AAA is tiresome.
(sarcasm on) I’m sure the Brewers and Cards are searching the minors for soft-tossing lefties who have never thrown above AA due to their ability to baffle the Cubs hitters. (sarcasm off)
I step down from my soapbox now. Thank you for letting me vent.
Ross - August 1, 2008
LSA
They looked out of focus today.
cubsnlinux - August 1, 2008
whatever
you always look flat when you score no runs.
they’ll be fine. we’ve won 5 out of the last 6 games. You can’t say they weren’t focused they just didn’t win. It happens.
halfblindcubbiegirl - August 1, 2008
You are entitled to your soapbox.
Understand this: not having a good scouting report is not an excuse, it is a fact. The Cubs got a last minute scouting report on Karstens, and a last minute scouting report can not be classified as a good scouting report. Unless you have stepped in the box and faced ML pitching, it is disingenuous for you to say that you can “get a pretty good idea of what a guy is throwing by simply taking a few pitches.” As far as not hitting minor league journeymen and frightened pups from AA or AAA being tiresome; Karstens is a young pitcher with some ML experience. Most of this experience with a team called the Yankees. Additionally, I would hardly call him a journeyman- he was traded by the Yankees to get pieces they needed from the Pirates.
The only difference between a AA/AAA pitcher and a ML pitcher is good experience, learning how to pitch effectively, get ahead in the count, knowing what pitch to throw in what situation, etc. Take the Shark for example. He learned as he went along this year in the ML’s, and gained valuable experience by learning, then applying what he learned in a manner that allowed him to have success that reflected in his results. It was never a matter of his ‘stuff’.
So you want the team to come out and say that they were tired, and deflated & sucked, when it just isn’t the case? They didn’t use the lack of a good scouting report as an excuse, it’s the truth. Honestly, you really could have much worse things to complain about.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
The best scouting reports...
...can’t help a team that isn’t sharp, and the Cubs were anything but today.
MPH73 - August 1, 2008
Al, I think you set the tone for the day...
...when you didn’t come up with that ball during BP. ;-)
Did it knock over your Big Gulp? If so, that should have been an ominous sign right then and there…
ballhawk - August 1, 2008
Ooh, E-10, eh?
JohnM - August 2, 2008
No knocked-over Big Gulp.
However, maybe I should have let it. Usually, a knocked-over Big Gulp is a sign of a win to come.
Al Yellon - August 2, 2008
here's an idea.........
let’s start calling up our AA and AAA pitchers to make starts but only announce who the starter is a day in advance. that way, teams will only have a last-minute scouting report and our AA and AAA pitchers (even ones with marginal stats like Mr. Karstens) will absolutely dominate major league hitters. once teams have scouting reports on these guys, we can start tapping the mexican league for pitchers that teams won’t have a scouting report on.
horace tarbox - August 1, 2008
I've got a better idea:
Stop trying to antagonize people, and simply go away…
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
+1
n/t
cubsluver22 - August 2, 2008
Rookie Of The Year...
I remember being there when they were filming that movie at Wrigley. It was between games of a double header…they had us all cheer when they were bringing the kid out of the bullpen. Seeing the kid all grown up now is a bit shocking.
Kasey
kaseyi - August 1, 2008
Question for all you who know the rulebook
I was at the game this afternoon. Was going to stop by and say ‘hi” Al, but you were in conversation both times that I walked by and I was towing a 5 year old to the bathroom both times. I was in the LF bleachers. In the top of the sixth, after the HR, the next batter (I forget who it was and I’m too lazy to look it up right now, had a double. My question is that since that ball hit right in front of me and DID hit the yellow wire at the top of the basket before bouncing back onto the field, should that have been a HR?
Archie - August 1, 2008
Well, you won't find that in any rulebook - what you're describing is specific to Wrigley Field
as such, should be covered by the ground rules. This is supposedly what the umps and managers talk about in that little pre-game meeting at home plate…
Anyway through the power of the Internets, I found this on the cubs.com site. And based on the first rule, no HR – ball is in play.
.ballhawk - August 1, 2008
len and bob explained this too
because there were a couple balls that got hit to the basket in right field during the series with the marlins. one of them went in and bounced out, and one of them hit the edge and bounced down. they said the only probable way for it to bounce up and still be in play was for it to hit the yellow wire, and lo and behold, it did this time.
nathew - August 2, 2008
Well, I think that there are four of us left here...
So goodnight ballhawk, ScottT, Sue & Archie. I’ll see ya tomorrow, (if you’re here), for a Cubs win. Sleep tight ya’ll.
Jimmyeatworld - August 1, 2008
Night Jimmy.
I’ll be here for the game tomorrow.
sue369 - August 1, 2008
Say goodnight Gracie...
Goodnight Gracie…
ballhawk - August 1, 2008
that one was for all us oldtimers...
...back when there was good stuff on tv… ;-)
ballhawk - August 1, 2008
night Johnboy
Today was not exactly my idea of the perfect way to start my long
home stand but I got 8 more games.
Ballhawk
I will drop by to say Hi next week when I am bleachers. Al will tell me which corner
you are on .
Night All
Doggie Stalker - August 1, 2008
"...which corner you are on."
Hmm… makes it sound like I’m a working ‘guy’....
Monday game and Friday BP might be the only times I’m out there next week. Dang this thing they call work…
Then I’m heading back to Ohio on Friday for a reunion. Dang this thing they call family… ;-
Should be back in time for Sunday night’s game. That’s the plan, anyway…
ballhawk - August 2, 2008
let down
basically completely expected. got great innings from #5 (marquis)
i just keep thinking the shark is something special. just do
brian custer - August 1, 2008
one things for sure
I really feel that with our current schedule in August theres no reason why we cant be 8-10 games up in the standings.
With that being said the majority of these teams bucs,reds,braves etc know for a fact that their going to Disneyland in October. They have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by beating our brains out and bringing us down with them. The I cant win so I don’t want you to either attitude.
This loss makes me sick but let’s just forget it and go on. I would love to have been a fly on the wall while Lou was ripping the players for their performance.
cubsluver22 - August 2, 2008
bucs
lets hope the pirates dont undo everything the cubs did with the brewers.let,s not forget how fast a 5 game lead can shrink, oops,already down to 4.brewers and cards wont go away
NOMAR - August 2, 2008
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